Kings XI Punjab will play to its strength: Jayawardene

With its key players Yuvraj Singh and Brett Lee struggling with injuries, Kings XI Punjab is hoping to overcome all hitches and play up to their optimum strength against Delhi Daredevils in Mohali on Saturday.

"Our focus will be to play to our maximum strength. Last year also we had injury problems but we are not thinking too much about them. We have world-class players in the side and that will certainly add depth to our team," said Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene at a pre-match press conference here at Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium.

"Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan, who had some injury concerns, will play tomorrow's game, while Brett Lee's recuperation rate is being assessed," he added.

Talking about their strategy for Saturday's game, Jayawardene said: "We will just concentrate on our strengths and would try to perform well on the field. Our focus will be on taking early wickets and to restrain the opponent batsmen."

"We try to continue our hard work and hopefully, we will be there in last four (teams)," he pointed out.

Jayawardene said that there has been a significant rise in IPL's popularity.

"IPL has become a global event. Despite the shift to South Africa last year, there was a lot of fanfare. It is ideal for international players to be a part of it," said Jayawardene.

Talking about the batsmen trying innovative shots in the Twenty-20 cricket format, he stated: "It is good as one has to think out of the box to develop the game. Even bowlers are trying new things these days."